AN award-winning New York-based restaurant that pays tribute to the American luncheonette experience with burgers and milkshakes will venture into Malaysia by the end of this year.

Its first Malaysian outlet will open at Sunway Resort, Sunway City Kuala Lumpur in Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

Owned by husband-and-wife team Chris Barish and Julie Mulligan, Black Tap is acclaimed for its signature burgers and Instagram-worthy CrazyShake milkshakes.

Black Tap has earned numerous accolades since its launch in 2015, including the “People’s Choice Award” (2015-2017) and “Judges Choice Award” (2020 and 2021) at the New York City Wine and Food Festival’s Burger Bash.

It is also present in The Venetian Resort Las Vegas, Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, as well as Bahrain, Singapore, Switzerland and United Arab Emirates.

“We are thrilled with this partnership. Malaysia’s dining scene is thriving and we want to be right there in the epicentre,” said Barish, an entrepreneur, restaurateur and film producer.

“Black Tap is all about bringing a New York-inspired energy, from the street art murals throughout the restaurant to the 1980s pop and 1990s hip-hop pumping through the speakers.

“We are so excited to introduce to guests our award-winning burgers such as the ‘Greg Norman’ and having them experience our over-the-top shakes which are sure to bring a smile to any child or adult who orders one.”

Sunway City Kuala Lumpur Hotels senior general manager Alex Castaldi said, “We are delighted to welcome a prime culinary brand such as Black Tap to stand alongside our top-notch signature restaurants at Sunway Resort.

“We believe luxury can be fun and Black Tap’s award-winning craft burgers and milkshakes will give everyone from the young and influential, to today’s generation of foodies and families to corporate influencers and Malaysians from all walks of life, another wonderful reason to stay, play and ultimately dine with us.”

Black Tap will be located adjacent to the main street at the lobby of the hotel.